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In the United States today, 1.35 million children are likely to experience homelessness over the course of a year.

Poverty, High School dropout rates, lack of affordable housing, teen pregnancy and clashes in cultures are some of the factors associated with the noted increase in the number of home-less and runaway youth nationwide.

What we do to help:

We provide short-term emergency shelter to homeless and runaway female youth, ages 12-17 for two weeks and assist girls 18-21 to find long-term housing. In order to provide youth with safe, loving, and stable homes, the pro-gram recruits and trains both English and Spanish-speaking individuals/families as Host Families.

Once a youth is placed in the home of a certified family, the LAYC Host Homes Program provides supportive services to the youth, the Host family and the youth's biological family.

What services do we provide?

  • Emergency Shelter for two weeks;
  • Crisis Intervention;
  • Individual, group and family counseling;
  • Psychosocial assessments;
  • Advocacy;
  • Referrals;
  • Case management;
  • Transportation

Youth’s Criteria for Admission

  • Youth must be 12-17 old for home stay; 18-21 to receive supportive services;
  • Youth must be homeless or runaway;
  • Youth cannot be actively us-ing drugs. If so, youth must be actively participating or willing to participate in a treatment program;
  • Youth must not be considered a danger to self or others;
  • Youth must be willing to comply with the objectives agreed upon in her treatment plan.

As a Host Parent you can help:

  • protect youth by providing a safe place;
  • provide a positive stay; and
  • influence the life of a youth

As a foster parent you will gain:

  • the satisfaction of making a difference in the life of a youth;
  • the support of bilingual staff available in cases of emergencies;
  • on-going training and supervision;
  • financial support to help cover the basic needs of youth;
  • invitations to special events (ex. annual picnic, dinners, etc.); and
  • reimbursement for expenses relating to the Host Homes certification.

Who can be a Host Parent?

Prospective Host Parents can be married or single, with or without children, English or Spanish speaking, renters or homeowners, etc. Interested applicants from Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia are welcome to apply.

All program applicants must:

  • be at least 21 years old;
  • have enough space in their home for a youth;
  • be financially stable and able to provide for their family;
  • commit to a 6-hour pre-service training;
  • be willing to work as part of a team; and
  • provide a safe and supportive home.

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For more information contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Case Manager, 202.386.2688.
 

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